20 Questions: James Buckland – London Scottish head coach

Back in pre-season training?
Yes. We finished in late April so the boys had six weeks off. It’s important with the turnover we’ve had in the squad to give boys lots of time together.
Manage a holiday?
Not yet, there’s been so much planning. But we’ve got a week off in pre-season and my wife’s plotted a trip to Kos. I’m just told what I’m doing.
Much time to chill out?
I’ve got three daughters and they’re into dressing up and running around the garden causing chaos, so No! I do quite enjoy a game of tennis, though.
Enjoy watching films?
I am quite a film buff when I get the chance… action movies with a bit of depth, like Die Hard, not your new rubbish like Transformers.
How are Scottish shaping up squad-wise?
We’re up to 32 with a couple of bits outstanding. We got lots of stuff done early so we’re quite pleased, plus we’ve a dual-registration arrangement with Quins.
Satisfied with being fifth last season?
We were still also-rans, rather than being in the main party. If you’re in the top four you can be reasonably happy.
What do you need to improve?
Consistency. Some performances were pleasing, but then we’d let ourselves down. We’re trying to build a squad with a bit more resilience and intensity so we can maintain standards throughout the season.
Surprised London Welsh went up?
Not really. Bristol played the best rugby but we played Welsh four times last season and the physicality they brought meant we had to dig so deep. Welsh played the percentages and got it right.
Championship getting better?
Definitely. The diversity of the league is fantastic and the best advert is the amount of players going into the Premiership. Everyone’s playing exciting rugby.
How do you think Worcester will go?
Dean Ryan knows what he’s doing and is building a sustainable squad. It’s been done before by Dean Richards at Harlequins and Worcester will do the same. Going to places like Sixways and Ashton Gate will be great for our boys.
Always had coaching ambitions?
I did a lot of amateur coaching at Aylesbury and Tring while I played. I like painting my own picture.
Fancy emulating former Tigers colleagues Richard Cockerill and Dorian West? 
I don’t know. I just like winning, whether it’s 3-0 or 50-0. If you win more than you lose everything else becomes a by-product.
Where did you start out?
As a six-year-old at Aylesbury RFC. From there I joined the old academy at Northampton, then spent time at Leicester, Wasps and London Irish.
Best players played with?
I was in the mix at Tigers with Johnno, Backy, Austin, Daryl Gibson and Josh Kronfeld, which wasn’t bad. Then at Wasps there were Dallaglio and Lewsey, and at Irish Seilala Mapusua. All great players.
Were you always a hooker?
No, I started in the backs and worked my way in. An earlier version of Tom Youngs!
Rituals or superstitions?
I always do a bit of kicking before taking training. It sounds ridiculous but I find it therapeutic. It chills me out before I fire the boys up.
Pet hates or annoyances?
Traffic and people who walk their dogs off the lead and then get annoyed when your dog goes and plays with their dog. I’ve got a little Jack Russell who wouldn’t harm a fly but people look at you as though he’s got rabies!
If you could invite three special guests to dinner?
The three party leaders – Cameron, Miliband and Clegg. I’d tell them to stop winding each other up and fix the problems instead.
Thing you’d change about rugby?
Instead of slagging off scrums, people should try to understand them.
Who’ll be England‘s No.1 World Cup hooker?
Tom Youngs. A really tough, resilient kid. He’s learning and will just get better.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on June 15.